Askatuak Gipuzkoa dropped to a 90-94 defeat against Palmer at the Josean Gasca on Friday, marking the team’s third loss of the season. The Donostia side held an 80-72 advantage with seven minutes remaining in regulation before defensive lapses allowed the visitors to erase the deficit. Palmer guard Dezayne Mingo fueled the comeback by scoring 15 points in the final period, while teammate Falcoz led all scorers with 26 points, including six three-pointers.

Late Collapse Undoes Early Domination

The hosts controlled the tempo through the opening half, establishing a 45-42 lead at the break behind a balanced perimeter attack. Sturup, Hanzlik, and Maiza contributed early baskets that fueled an effective team offense in Donostia. Vázquez added a pair of three-pointers to open the second quarter, helping the hosts maintain control despite Palmer leveling the score four times during the period. Askatuak Gipuzkoa pushed their margin to 70-65 at the end of the third quarter and maintained an 80-72 lead with seven minutes left on the clock.

Palmer Capitalizes on Fourth-Quarter Mismatches

As the game entered its final minutes, the tactical flow broke down into a scrappy battle where Palmer found consistent scoring lanes. The visitors exploited height mismatches involving Capalbo against the Balearic perimeter players, generating easy baskets down the stretch. Mingo spearheaded the offensive surge, while Stoilov added 14 points off the bench for Palmer. The visitors out-rebounded Askatuak Gipuzkoa 33 to 20 and shot 26 of 45 on two-point attempts. Palmer finally claimed the lead in the closing minutes, stretching an advantage to 89-86 heading into the final minute before securing the 94-90 final score.

Statistics Paint Picture of Missed Opportunities

Askatuak Gipuzkoa converted 11 of 24 three-point attempts and shot 22 of 36 inside the arc, finishing with a team valuation of 94. Falcoz paced the hosts with 26 points, followed by Capalbo and Hanzlik with 12 points apiece, Maiza with 10, Sturup with 11, Vázquez with 8, Lo with 5, and Van Komen with 6. Palmer posted a team valuation of 99, shooting 8 of 20 from long range and 26 of 45 on two-pointers. Wimberg chipped in 13 points and Hodge added 19 for the victors. Referees García León, Piñeiro Amondaray, and Cervantes Fernández officiated the fixture.